Looking to replace my Kenwood KDC-MPV622 factory H/U and had my eye on this newcomer from Sony. It just arrived to stores this week, stopped by BestBuy today and checked it out. Not a bad little unit. Yeah I know Sony doesn't rate with the usual higher end names like Alpine, Pioneer, Kenwood, JVC, etc. but each of those has issues - Alpine: 9884 is a possibility but lighting is a bit too Christmas-tree-like. Also only 2-band EQ, no flip-down, no front USB. But probably my 2nd choice. 9886 looks real nice but out of my price range. Pioneer: Don't like the joystick controls. I just want a simple volume knob and buttons. Also, lack of a pause button is a major problem - it's my most often used button on current head unit. Kenwood: Also has the joystick controls. Checked out one of the JVCs (PDR80), one of the buttons runs right into the volume knob - not good. Getting back to this new Sony: Front Aux and USB/iPOD, 3 preamp/sub outputs, 17/52x4, flip-down, simple controls, 3-band EQ, nice clean look and feel. Looks to have pretty good CD sound quality. iPOD/USB navigation supposed to be much improved. Improved volume knob, sticks out further than last year's model so you can get your whole fingers on it (not overly shallow like alot of models). Preset buttons are more sticking out too, not receded/flush, so easier to use. A bit nicer overall fit and finish than last year model. Still not as nice as an Alpine but for $160 not bad at all. I'll wait at least until Crutchfield has it on their web site available and with all the updated information and installation HW.
